Tazewell County Court Records Search

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    Tazewell County is located in the coalfields region of southwestern Virginia and is served by three primary courts: the Circuit Court, the General District Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. All three courts operate within the 29th Judicial Circuit and District, with courtrooms housed primarily in Tazewell. Court records generated by these bodies encompass a broad range of documents — dockets, pleadings, orders, decrees, affidavits, motions, exhibits, and case dispositions — that collectively document the history of every legal proceeding from initial filing through final judgment.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Tazewell County?

    Virginia residents and outside researchers have several practical options for locating case information. The most direct starting point is VirginiaStateCourts.us, which can assist in navigating publicly available court case information for Tazewell County and across the Commonwealth. From there, the Virginia Judiciary Online Case Information System (OCIS 2.0) provides a statewide search tool covering Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts. Case data entered by the respective court clerks populates this system and can be searched by name, case number, or hearing date at no cost.

    For circuit court records specifically, the Circuit Court Case Information portal allows name and case number searches across all Virginia circuit courts, including Tazewell. General District Court cases — traffic, misdemeanors, and civil matters — are searchable through the General District Court Case Information system. In-person searches are also available at each court’s clerk window during regular business hours. Researchers should bring identifying information such as a full legal name or case number to speed up the process.

    Are Court Records Public in Tazewell County?

    Virginia operates under a presumption of openness for public records. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes that all records held by public bodies — including court clerks — are presumed open for inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. Any person, regardless of residency or stated purpose, may inspect and copy publicly accessible court records maintained by Tazewell County clerks during regular office hours.

    That said, certain categories of records are withheld from public access under Virginia law. The most commonly encountered restrictions come from Virginia Code § 16.1-305 and Virginia Code § 2.2-3706. The following record types are restricted:

    • Juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect records
    • Adoption files and related proceedings
    • Sealed and expunged records
    • Involuntary commitment records
    • Mental health competency evaluations and medical diagnoses
    • Financial statements submitted in litigation
    • Records identifying victims or witnesses in sensitive cases
    • Active law enforcement investigation files
    • Any court record whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

    Records subject to criminal sealing under Virginia’s Clean Slate legislation are also withheld. Court clerks are directed to narrowly construe exemptions and disclose records unless a clear statutory basis for withholding exists.

    Tazewell County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in Tazewell County are divided between two courts based on the severity of the charge. The General District Court handles misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. Felonies proceed to the Circuit Court for trial and final adjudication. Appeals from the General District Court on criminal matters are heard de novo in the Circuit Court.

    Tazewell County Circuit Court — Criminal Division
    Address: 135 Court Street, Suite 202, Tazewell, VA 24651-1071
    Phone: (276) 385-1200
    Fax: (276) 988-7501
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Clerk of Court: Hon. Charity D. Hurst

    Tazewell County General District Court
    Address: 135 Court Street, Suite 300, Tazewell, VA 24651-1081
    Phone: (276) 385-1563
    Fax: (276) 988-6202
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Clerk of Court: Crystal D. Crouse

    For criminal case searches, the OCIS 2.0 statewide portal and the circuit court case information system are the primary online tools. Both systems display charge details, case status, disposition dates, and sentencing information for public criminal records. Felony preliminary hearings are scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Fridays in General District Court; misdemeanor appeal days follow the day after each Circuit Court Term Day, which begins on the second Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November.

    Statewide Criminal History Background Checks

    For a certified Virginia criminal history record, requests are processed by the Virginia State Police Civil & Applicant Records Exchange (CARE). The standard process requires completing Form SP-167, which must be notarized, and mailing it to:

    Virginia State Police — CARE
    7700 Midlothian Turnpike
    N. Chesterfield, VA 23235

    Key details for this process:

    • Fee: $15.00 per name search (money order, certified check, or credit card accepted)
    • Fingerprint-based state and federal search: $13.75 (VSP CARE) + $13.25 (FBI) \= $27.00 combined
    • Processing time: approximately 15 business days after receipt
    • No expedited or same-day service is available
    • Drop-off in person is permitted at the Chesterfield headquarters but does not accelerate processing

    For current inmates held at a state correctional facility, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority (SWVRJA) maintains an online roster of current facility inmates.

    Tazewell County Civil Court Records

    Civil litigation in Tazewell County flows through two courts depending on the claim amount. The General District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil claims up to $4,500 and shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court for claims between $4,500 and $25,000. The Circuit Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $25,000 as well as equitable actions, quiet title suits, and real property disputes of any dollar value.

    Civil Jurisdiction at a Glance:

    Claim AmountCourt
    Up to $4,500General District Court (exclusive)
    $4,500 – $25,000Either court (concurrent jurisdiction)
    Over $25,000Circuit Court (exclusive)
    Small ClaimsUp to $5,000 in General District Court small claims division

    Small claims hearings in the General District Court follow an informal procedure under Virginia Code § 16.1-122.1 et seq., allowing parties to represent themselves without an attorney. Claims must not exceed $5,000, and personal property recovery actions are capped at the same threshold.

    Civil records from both courts are searchable through the OCIS 2.0 system and the General District Court case portal. In-person requests at the appropriate clerk’s office allow inspection and copying of filed pleadings, docket entries, judgments, and related documents. The General District Court schedules civil attorney cases and unlawful detainers on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, with contested warrants in debt and garnishments following at 10:00 a.m.

    For civil forms applicable to both the Circuit and General District courts, the Virginia Courts forms library provides standardized downloadable documents. The Access to Justice Self-Help Center also offers guided resources for individuals navigating civil proceedings without counsel.

    Tazewell County Family Court Records

    Family law cases in Tazewell County are distributed between two courts depending on the nature of the matter. The Circuit Court holds authority over divorce, annulment, adoption, and name changes. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR) District Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, protective orders, and cases involving juveniles.

    Tazewell County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
    Address: 135 Court Street, Tazewell, VA 24651
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 613, Tazewell, VA 24651
    Phone: (276) 385-1290
    Fax: (276) 988-3726
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Clerk of Court: J. Karen Allison

    Key jurisdictional breakdown:

    • Circuit Court: Divorce, legal separation, annulment, adoption, name changes, appeals from JDR decisions on custody and support
    • JDR District Court: Child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support (pendente lite), paternity, protective orders, juvenile delinquency, and child abuse/neglect proceedings

    Marriage Licenses and Divorce Records

    Marriage licenses are issued by the Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Applicants must appear in person with valid identification. The clerk’s office at 135 Court Street, Suite 202, Tazewell, VA 24651 handles issuance during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).

    Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. Certified copies may be requested in person or by mail from the clerk’s office. Only the divorcing parties, their immediate family members, and persons with legal authorization may obtain certified divorce decrees.

    Vital Records — Birth and Death Certificates

    Birth and death records for Tazewell County are not held at the county level. They are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. The current fee for each certified copy is $15.00 per search, regardless of whether the record is found. Requests may be submitted online, by mail to:

    VDH Office of Vital Records
    P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218-1000

    Or in person at:
    2001 Maywill Street, Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230

    Approved request forms are available for birth certificates and death certificates on the VDH website. Access to birth and death records is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal need. Marriage and divorce records from 1936 onward are also available through the Vital Records office at the same fee.

    Protective Orders

    Residents seeking emergency protective orders due to domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault may file directly with the JDR District Court clerk. The General District Court also hears protective order petitions on most Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, with hearings scheduled at 2:00 p.m. The Virginia Judiciary’s domestic violence programs page provides statewide resources and procedural guidance for protective order petitioners.

    For JDR court forms including petitions for custody, visitation, and support modifications, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court forms library provides approved standardized documents.

    Tazewell County Probate Court Records

    Probate jurisdiction in Virginia rests with the Circuit Court rather than a standalone probate court. The Tazewell County Circuit Court — through its dedicated Probate Division — handles wills, estate administration, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. The Probate Division deputy clerks are available to answer general questions about the probate process and can be reached directly through the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at (276) 385-1200.

    What the Probate Division Handles:

    • Probate of wills and issuance of letters testamentary
    • Administration of intestate estates (letters of administration)
    • Conservatorship and guardianship appointments
    • Trust proceedings
    • Fiduciary accountings

    How to Access Probate Records

    Probate case records are publicly accessible (subject to any court-ordered sealing) and can be searched through the Circuit Court Case Information portal by name, case number, or hearing date. In-person requests at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office allow inspection and copying of filed wills, inventories, accountings, and orders.

    Fees for Probate Matters

    Virginia probate costs include both a state probate tax and clerk’s fees. The probate tax is assessed at approximately $1.33 per $1,000 of the taxable estate value. Clerk’s fees vary based on the complexity and size of the estate. The Virginia Courts Circuit Court fee schedule (Appendix C) details applicable charges for probate filings, copies, and certifications.

    Property and Land Records

    The Circuit Court Clerk also records and maintains all land records for Tazewell County, including deeds, deeds of trust, plats, liens, and related instruments. Deed recordings are accepted Monday through Friday until 3:45 p.m. Remote access to these land records is available through the Secure Remote Access (SRA) portal on a subscription basis at $50.00 per month per user. Subscribers must execute an agreement with the Tazewell County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office before receiving login credentials. For those monitoring title changes, the VADeedAlert notification service is also available through the Virginia court system’s online tools.